Chapter 49

Nia

A tender warmth of fulfillment suffuses me as I watch the girls perform the dance we've been working so hard on. I move with them, imitating their airy, small steps and twirls. The last tunes come and they all bow, holding their little hands in a pink chain of adorability.

"Wow, " I shriek, my voice is too elated to sound any less excited. "This was perfect, way to go! " Smiles and gleaming eyes respond to my compliments as they sit in a semi-circle around me. "You should be so proud of yourselves. You did such an amazing job. " I repeat some information about the last practices we'll have before the final show and let them run off to their waiting parents.

"I'm so excited for them, " I tell Alex as we make our way to Jake's.